GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.,
June 20,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Volunteering isn't just about
doing something good; it's a great way to grow, meet new people,
and maybe even discover a new career path. At Center Line
Preparatory Academy, a partner school of National Heritage
Academies, volunteering is an important part of student life.
Through a structured volunteer program, students don't just fulfill
their required service hours; they also enjoy meaningful
experiences and gain valuable insights along the way.
Dana McCarthy, Reading Academic
Specialist and National Honor Society Advisor at Center
Line Prep, is a huge supporter of
student volunteerism. "Our high school students need 60 hours of
community service to graduate. I take a big interest in getting
those students involved in something that they're passionate
about," she explains.
Broadening Perspectives:
One of the best things about volunteering, according to
McCarthy, is how it broadens students' horizons. "It takes the
students' lens off the four walls of a building or a classroom and
makes them see outside of it," she says.
This helps students look beyond their immediate surroundings and
understand the broader impact of their efforts. For example, the
National Honor Society's focus on homelessness and hunger involved
several food drives. "When we tell them this food goes to people in
our school who don't have food every day, it makes them more aware
of what's going on right around them," McCarthy adds.
Personal and Professional Growth:
Tynila Moody, a student at Center Line
Prep, shares how volunteering changed her life. At first,
she was shy, but as time went on, Moody found her voice and
confidence through helping younger students. "When I started
volunteering, I wasn't the same person I am now. Before
volunteering, I was hesitant to interact with others. Now, I'm
eager to help people and confident in my interactions."
These volunteer activities often have quite an impact, sometimes
changing students' career paths and perspectives. "Tynila thought
she wanted to be a teacher but switched to nursing after
volunteering," McCarthy shared. This shift shows that volunteering
can help students figure out not only what they want to do but also
what they don't want to do.
Hands-On Experience:
The volunteer program at Center Line Prep Academy offers
opportunities ranging from literacy initiatives to environmental
projects. One of McCarthy's favorite projects was at Rising Stars,
a school for adults with disabilities. "They plant the food, grow
it, and create with it. They make bread, fruit, and other goods,"
she describes. Through activities like clearing fields and
supporting the school's operations, students gain hands-on
experience and learn about the effort required to produce food.
Community Connections:
Beyond personal growth, volunteering also strengthens community
ties and creates lasting relationships. Students often receive
ongoing support from the people they help. "I got to help a woman
who is now helping me with my college stuff," Moody
shared.
Empathy and Responsibility:
For students at Center Line Prep Academy, volunteering is a key
part of their education. It instills a sense of responsibility,
empathy, and awareness that's important for their personal and
professional development. Through their service, students learn
that their actions matter and that they can make a difference, one
volunteer hour at a time. "It helps students see and develop
strengths they didn't even know they had," shared McCarthy.
About National Heritage Academies:
National Heritage
Academies (NHA) is a network of 100 tuition-free, public charter
schools across nine states, serving more than 68,000 students in
kindergarten through 12th grade. For more information,
visit nhaschools.com. To find the nearest charter school near you,
use the NHA school finder.
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SOURCE National Heritage Academies